Lord Chancellor David Lammy and Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr have dismissed District Judge Andrew Simpson following a gross misconduct investigation.
The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) found that Simpson engaged in inappropriate communication and behavior toward court staff.
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Misconduct Details
Complaints detailed overly familiar and unprofessional conduct with multiple staff members, including unwanted physical contact, non-work social media messaging, sending a highly sexualized image, and an inappropriate email from his official account.
A disciplinary panel reviewed the case and concluded that Simpson violated judicial standards, failing to recognize the power imbalance inherent in his role.
Although the panel initially recommended a reprimand due to his previously unblemished record, the Lord Chancellor and Lady Chief Justice rejected that penalty, ruling that his actions constituted an abuse of position causing staff distress.
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The JCIO noted that Simpson questioned the motivations of complainants, which was deemed an aggravating factor showing insufficient insight.
Simpson, appointed as a district judge in Newcastle in December 2022, has been removed from the judicial list.
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The JCIO stated that his behavior was wholly inappropriate and seriously failed to meet expected standards, damaging the working environment and the judiciary's reputation.
